"This has been a huge blow to my psyche. I'm used to simply posting my resume and having my choice of positions within two weeks. Not having a position has really forced me to reconsider who I am if I'm not a project manager."

Weeks unemployed: I am employed but I generally only get scheduled for two to three days a week

Job seeking: Web designer/marketing/information systems

"There is a lot of competition for jobs and having little to no experience has been a detriment, in addition to irresponsible decisions I made when I was 19 continuing to be held against me. I keep an attitude that God predestined me to do better and be better, and I will continue to do my part to walk in that destiny."

Richard Joudrey

54; Lutz

Previous job and salary: Vice president for community development, $200,000

Weeks unemployed: 75

Job seeking: Anything that will pay my mortgage.

"I have spent my life training for a career in the home building industry. I obtained a civil engineering degree at age 40. Designing and building great communities is my dream. Two and a half years after receiving the job of a lifetime I was laid off."

Janie Dawes

53; Indian Shores

Previous job and salary: Senior managing consultant for IBM, $135,000

Weeks unemployed: 32

Job seeking: Human resources/information technology project or implementation manager/business analyst/employee relations professional (or any job in which I can contribute to others' success and make a difference.)

Sell yourself: "For Sale. Critical Thinker with Heart. Gently Used."

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